Shane Richie

Shane Richie is one of Britain's most charming entertainers. With a career that has spanned 20 years, he has been something of a showbiz jack of all trades. Shane has worked as a Pontins bluecoat, a stand-up, been in musical theatre, hosted game shows, released two music albums and in 2002 became a household favourite with the role of loveable rogue Alfie Moon in Eastenders. Since leaving Eastenders at Christmas 2005 his star status has risen still further. On October 8th he will play Nick in his first TV role since leaving the soap opera in a comedy-drama called What We Did On Our Holidays for ITV 1 and in December he will star in an animated film by Steven Speilberg called Flushed Away alongside Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman.

But he hasn't always had it so easy. Born to poor Irish parents living in a rough part of London, he thrived in amateur dramatics groups and made his own dream come true by joining Pontins as a bluecoat. Years of hard effort on the comedy and entertainment circuits paid off with primetime television shows and musical tours. But then in 1999, after his nine-year marriage to Coleen Nolan ended with an affair, Shane hit the pits of despair, turning to drink and women for comfort. Thankfully, his luck turned. He met his now fiance, Christie Goddard, and in 2002, his professional life got the biggest kick-start with the role of Alfie Moon. From the moment Peter Kay said 'If it weren't for Shane Richie I would slit my wrists' at the 2002 Brit Awards, Shane's comeback was complete. The public had missed him, they still loved him and were elated to have him back.